Cost-Effective Tricks to Stay Warm as the Temperature Drops

October 23, 2017Doug Murray

Winter is coming. For most people, that means a spike in their energy bill as they’re trying to keep the cold at bay. However, you can save a lot of money during the cold months without giving up that cozy, snug feeling. Here are some cost-effective tricks to stay warm as the temperature drops. They’re energy efficient too!

Green Living

Cost-Effective Tricks to Stay Warm as the Temperature Drops

October 23, 2017 Doug Murray

Winter is coming. For most people, that means a spike in their energy bill as they’re trying to keep the cold at bay. However, you can save a lot of money during the cold months without giving up that cozy, snug feeling. Here are some cost-effective tricks to stay warm as the temperature drops. They’re energy efficient too!

1. Blanket Your Home

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1. Blanket Your Home

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

Did you know that thick medieval tapestries were used as a way of keeping rooms warm in big, drafty castles? Cover your doors and walls in thick fabrics, quilts or blankets. They provide added insulation that will keep the heat in and the cold out.

Green LivingCost-Effective Tricks to Stay Warm as the Temperature Drops

1. Blanket Your Home

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Did you know that thick medieval tapestries were used as a way of keeping rooms warm in big, drafty castles? Cover your doors and walls in thick fabrics, quilts or blankets. They provide added insulation that will keep the heat in and the cold out.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

2. Use the Curtains

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2. Use the Curtains

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

During the day, open the curtains or blinds on your home’s south-facing windows to allow the sun to warm up the rooms. When the sun sets, close those window coverings to keep the heat inside.

Green LivingCost-Effective Tricks to Stay Warm as the Temperature Drops

2. Use the Curtains

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During the day, open the curtains or blinds on your home’s south-facing windows to allow the sun to warm up the rooms. When the sun sets, close those window coverings to keep the heat inside.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

3. Layer Your Clothing

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3. Layer Your Clothing

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

The most obvious way to stay warm is to dress warmly but it can become tricky as your home – and your body – heats up. To prevent having to go through more wardrobe changes than there are in the average Lady Gaga concert, dress in layers that you can easily remove or add as you need to.

Green LivingCost-Effective Tricks to Stay Warm as the Temperature Drops

3. Layer Your Clothing

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The most obvious way to stay warm is to dress warmly but it can become tricky as your home – and your body – heats up. To prevent having to go through more wardrobe changes than there are in the average Lady Gaga concert, dress in layers that you can easily remove or add as you need to.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

4. Caulk and Weather-strip

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4. Caulk and Weather-strip

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

Caulking and weather-stripping are ways of blocking gaps where cold air can enter your home. Some areas that could benefit from caulking and weather-stripping are around the windows, doors, fireplaces, the hatch to the roof space, the mail slot on your front door and the cat flap.

Green LivingCost-Effective Tricks to Stay Warm as the Temperature Drops

4. Caulk and Weather-strip

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Caulking and weather-stripping are ways of blocking gaps where cold air can enter your home. Some areas that could benefit from caulking and weather-stripping are around the windows, doors, fireplaces, the hatch to the roof space, the mail slot on your front door and the cat flap.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

5. Use DIY Draft Excluders

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5. Use DIY Draft Excluders

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

Even cheaper than caulking and weather-stripping is to make your own draft excluders to block openings where cold air can come in. For example, hang blankets over windows and open stairwells and use sausage-shaped pillows or even rolled-up towels to block gaps at the bottom of doors.

Green LivingCost-Effective Tricks to Stay Warm as the Temperature Drops

5. Use DIY Draft Excluders

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Even cheaper than caulking and weather-stripping is to make your own draft excluders to block openings where cold air can come in. For example, hang blankets over windows and open stairwells and use sausage-shaped pillows or even rolled-up towels to block gaps at the bottom of doors.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

6. Don’t Block Heat Sources

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6. Don’t Block Heat Sources

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

Tempting as it may be to place the sofa right in front of the fireplace or radiator, this actually blocks the heat from freely circulating and warming up the room, according to <a href="http://www.hydroquebec.com/residential/energy-wise/how/electricity-saving-tips/advices/heating.html" target="_blank">Hydro Québec</a>. It’s a fire hazard too. Move furniture and drying clothes away from heat sources and don’t let your curtains cover the radiator.

Green LivingCost-Effective Tricks to Stay Warm as the Temperature Drops

6. Don’t Block Heat Sources

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Tempting as it may be to place the sofa right in front of the fireplace or radiator, this actually blocks the heat from freely circulating and warming up the room, according to <a href="http://www.hydroquebec.com/residential/energy-wise/how/electricity-saving-tips/advices/heating.html" target="_blank">Hydro Québec</a>. It’s a fire hazard too. Move furniture and drying clothes away from heat sources and don’t let your curtains cover the radiator.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

7. Use Tin Foil

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7. Use Tin Foil

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

If you have a wall-mounted heater, place a sheet of tin foil behind it, with the shiny side facing outward. This is a cheaper version of a radiator panel that will reflect the heat back into the room rather than letting it be absorbed by the wall.

Green LivingCost-Effective Tricks to Stay Warm as the Temperature Drops

7. Use Tin Foil

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If you have a wall-mounted heater, place a sheet of tin foil behind it, with the shiny side facing outward. This is a cheaper version of a radiator panel that will reflect the heat back into the room rather than letting it be absorbed by the wall.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

8. Use Rugs and Carpets

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8. Use Rugs and Carpets

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

Rugs and carpets add insulation to floors and are much more comfortable to walk on than cold floor tiles. Even the bathroom will be much warmer if you throw down some bath mats around the toilet and in front of the bathtub and shower.

Green LivingCost-Effective Tricks to Stay Warm as the Temperature Drops

8. Use Rugs and Carpets

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Rugs and carpets add insulation to floors and are much more comfortable to walk on than cold floor tiles. Even the bathroom will be much warmer if you throw down some bath mats around the toilet and in front of the bathtub and shower.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

9. Use “Warming” Décor

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9. Use “Warming” Décor

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

You can use a simple mind-trick to convince yourself that you’re feeling warmer. Simply use décor that evokes feelings of coziness. For example, use warm colours like brown, taupe or yellow and go for fluffy or chunky textures such as knit blankets or throws. Dim lighting also helps to create a feeling of warmth.

Green LivingCost-Effective Tricks to Stay Warm as the Temperature Drops

9. Use “Warming” Décor

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You can use a simple mind-trick to convince yourself that you’re feeling warmer. Simply use décor that evokes feelings of coziness. For example, use warm colours like brown, taupe or yellow and go for fluffy or chunky textures such as knit blankets or throws. Dim lighting also helps to create a feeling of warmth.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

10. Choose the Right Bedding

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10. Choose the Right Bedding

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

<a href="http://www.homestolove.com.au/the-best-sheets-for-keeping-warm-in-winter-4961" target="_blank">Homes To Love</a> suggests that you use linen, cotton or flannel sheets with a high thread count to keep you warmer in winter, since they’re breathable. Another trick is to put a quilted bed cover on your mattress to keep your bed warm through the night.

Green LivingCost-Effective Tricks to Stay Warm as the Temperature Drops

10. Choose the Right Bedding

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<a href="http://www.homestolove.com.au/the-best-sheets-for-keeping-warm-in-winter-4961" target="_blank">Homes To Love</a> suggests that you use linen, cotton or flannel sheets with a high thread count to keep you warmer in winter, since they’re breathable. Another trick is to put a quilted bed cover on your mattress to keep your bed warm through the night.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

11. Use a Heating Pad or Electric Blanket

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11. Use a Heating Pad or Electric Blanket

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

Few things can make you suddenly feel cold than getting between a pair of icy sheets. Warm up your bed with a heating pad or electric blanket before you tuck in for the night.

Green LivingCost-Effective Tricks to Stay Warm as the Temperature Drops

11. Use a Heating Pad or Electric Blanket

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Few things can make you suddenly feel cold than getting between a pair of icy sheets. Warm up your bed with a heating pad or electric blanket before you tuck in for the night.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

12. Make Your Own Heat Packs

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12. Make Your Own Heat Packs

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

Heat packs can warm your body and you can use them to warm up your bed too. To make your own, <a href="https://wellnessmama.com/24601/reusable-rice-heat-packs/" target="_blank">Wellness Mama</a> suggests that you make a fabric cover or use an old sock or pillowcase, fill it with rice and microwave it for a minute. Unlike hot-water bottles, it will stay warm much longer.

Green LivingCost-Effective Tricks to Stay Warm as the Temperature Drops

12. Make Your Own Heat Packs

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Heat packs can warm your body and you can use them to warm up your bed too. To make your own, <a href="https://wellnessmama.com/24601/reusable-rice-heat-packs/" target="_blank">Wellness Mama</a> suggests that you make a fabric cover or use an old sock or pillowcase, fill it with rice and microwave it for a minute. Unlike hot-water bottles, it will stay warm much longer.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

13. Drink Warm Beverages

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13. Drink Warm Beverages

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

Drinking warm beverages like tea or hot chocolate won’t actually raise your body temperature that much, according to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2014/oct/28/hot-drinks-science-tasting-notes" target="_blank">The Guardian</a>. However, they provide comfort and just holding that mug will warm up cold hands.

Green LivingCost-Effective Tricks to Stay Warm as the Temperature Drops

13. Drink Warm Beverages

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Drinking warm beverages like tea or hot chocolate won’t actually raise your body temperature that much, according to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2014/oct/28/hot-drinks-science-tasting-notes" target="_blank">The Guardian</a>. However, they provide comfort and just holding that mug will warm up cold hands.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

14. Avoid Alcohol

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14. Avoid Alcohol

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

Sorry, but that glass of red wine in front of the TV won’t really warm you up. In fact, it does the opposite. As <a href="https://www.livescience.com/55435-does-drinking-alcohol-warm-your-body.html" target="_blank">Live Science</a> explains, alcohol will make your skin feel flushed but it actually lowers your core body temperature.

Green LivingCost-Effective Tricks to Stay Warm as the Temperature Drops

14. Avoid Alcohol

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Sorry, but that glass of red wine in front of the TV won’t really warm you up. In fact, it does the opposite. As <a href="https://www.livescience.com/55435-does-drinking-alcohol-warm-your-body.html" target="_blank">Live Science</a> explains, alcohol will make your skin feel flushed but it actually lowers your core body temperature.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

15. Get Moving

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15. Get Moving

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

Moving around keeps your blood flowing, distributing heat throughout your body. It has the added bonus that it stirs the air in the room so that the heat will circulate better.

Green LivingCost-Effective Tricks to Stay Warm as the Temperature Drops

15. Get Moving

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Moving around keeps your blood flowing, distributing heat throughout your body. It has the added bonus that it stirs the air in the room so that the heat will circulate better.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

16. Use Lotion or Body Oil

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16. Use Lotion or Body Oil

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

Rubbing lotion or body oil into your skin just after a hot bath or shower not only helps to keep your skin moisturized, it also forms an insulating layer that keeps the heat in your body.

Green LivingCost-Effective Tricks to Stay Warm as the Temperature Drops

16. Use Lotion or Body Oil

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Rubbing lotion or body oil into your skin just after a hot bath or shower not only helps to keep your skin moisturized, it also forms an insulating layer that keeps the heat in your body.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

17. Put the Radiator or Heater Under a Shelf

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17. Put the Radiator or Heater Under a Shelf

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

A shelf above a radiator or heater will keep the warm air from rising to the ceiling, where it won’t do you any good. Instead, the heat will be channelled towards you. However, make sure it's not a fire hazard.

Green LivingCost-Effective Tricks to Stay Warm as the Temperature Drops

17. Put the Radiator or Heater Under a Shelf

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A shelf above a radiator or heater will keep the warm air from rising to the ceiling, where it won’t do you any good. Instead, the heat will be channelled towards you. However, make sure it's not a fire hazard.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

18. Get Baking

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18. Get Baking

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

When the oven is on, it will help heat up the kitchen, so use this as an excuse to bake a batch of cookies. The aroma of spices like vanilla, cinnamon and cloves will also help you feel warmer since they’re associated with coziness.

Green LivingCost-Effective Tricks to Stay Warm as the Temperature Drops

18. Get Baking

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When the oven is on, it will help heat up the kitchen, so use this as an excuse to bake a batch of cookies. The aroma of spices like vanilla, cinnamon and cloves will also help you feel warmer since they’re associated with coziness.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

19. Eat Right

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19. Eat Right

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

When your body digests food, it generates heat in the process. Foods high in calories and rich in proteins and fats are the best choices. <a href="https://www.livestrong.com/article/155765-survival-foods-to-eat-in-the-winter-to-keep-warm/" target="_blank">Livestrong</a> suggests pemmican, sardines and hot chocolate as winter-warming foods.

Green LivingCost-Effective Tricks to Stay Warm as the Temperature Drops

19. Eat Right

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When your body digests food, it generates heat in the process. Foods high in calories and rich in proteins and fats are the best choices. <a href="https://www.livestrong.com/article/155765-survival-foods-to-eat-in-the-winter-to-keep-warm/" target="_blank">Livestrong</a> suggests pemmican, sardines and hot chocolate as winter-warming foods.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

20. Snuggle Up

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20. Snuggle Up

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

Someone else’s body heat will make you feel warmer too, so snuggle up with a partner or a pet. Just remember that this only works with warm-blooded beings: your pet snake won’t help you stay warm.

Green LivingCost-Effective Tricks to Stay Warm as the Temperature Drops

20. Snuggle Up

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Someone else’s body heat will make you feel warmer too, so snuggle up with a partner or a pet. Just remember that this only works with warm-blooded beings: your pet snake won’t help you stay warm.